The Sebkhas are environments characteristic of North Africa and widely spread in Tunisia. Sebkhas are salted depressions specific to warm arid areas. They form a specific ecological unity and have an important hydrological and morphological role. They play an important role in the ecological balance and conservation of biodiversity in arid areas and host a big diversity of animal and vegetal species specific to salted humid ecosystems. Many species of migrating birds use them as seasonal parks. Sebkha ecosystems also play a role in the national economy through agriculture, animal rearing, fishing, extraction of mineral salt, tourism and culture.

The Centres of Biodiversity Programme in Tunisia was based on the study of this ecosystem, which is one of the most threatened in arid areas and had been neglected until then. The project studied the Complex of the Jellabia, El-Grine, Guezzahia, Chlaka and Oum-Hani Sebkhas, which is situated in the South-East of Tunisia. The study was based on field visits and surveys and identified the causes of deterioration of the Complex.